Half-Elves in 3.5

[Merlion]

I was just looking at the half orc thread a little ways down..I agree they could probably use a little touch up. But I think the poor half elves could really use something. I mean the only really useful racial ability they get is low-light vision. The only thing they get from there human side is the Any favored class thing...which can be handy but doesntly really come up that much
The obvious thing would be to maybe give them the bonus skill points as a human...the feat would be a bit much
Or maybe elven proficiencies?

Any thoughts?

 

[Azure Trance]

Someone suggested making the half-elf a feat, upon taking which would grant you the 1/2 elf bonuses.

 

[Merlion]

Hmmm....not a bad idea by any stretch. I dont really see them doing it though since Half-Elf has always been a PC race throughout DnD history.
Which half would such a feat grant? +1 Dex +1 Search Spot Listen, some of the proficiencies, low-light vision? Interesting idea

 

[Azure Trance]

Racial stat bonuses shouldn't come in odd numbers. And for the feat:

New Feat:

Elven Blood [Initial]

Prerequisites: Must be human; must take feat at 1st level.

Benefits:

• +1 racial bonus to Listen, Search, and Spot checks.
• For all special abilities and effects, a half-elf is considered an elf.
• Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects, and a +2 racial bonus to saving throws vs. Enchantment spells or effects.
• Low-light vision.

There you go. This gives the half-elves half of what the elves get (which amounts to the previous half-elf bennies), but allows them half of the human bonuses -- they still get an extra skill point each level, but have to give up the human bonus feat to do it.

 

[Merlion]

Hmmm not bad...I guess that(the skill points one way or other) is probably the best way to do it...they really just need something a little extra to reflect the human side.
Me, I hope they just give the half elf race the extra skill points in 3.5

Thanx for the info

 

[RigaMortus]

That doesn't exactly portray what a "feat" is though. Then again, Spell Casting prodigy is along the same lines I suppose. Interesting idea none the less.

 

[Eternalknight]

IMC they get +2 Charisma...

 

[RigaMortus]

+2 Cha? Finally, a good Sorcerer, Bard, Cleric and Paladin class!

 

[Azure Trance]

IMC they get +2 Charisma...

Any penalty stat?

 

[Kae'Yoss]

Why +cha? Can you explain it?